How can I check to see if I have a valid passport?

Question: My last passport expired May of last year. I thought I had renewed it but now can't locate it. Do I need to renew or can I get a duplicate?

Answer: First of all, the State Department does not issue duplicate passports. You can apply for a passport record if you want to discover if you applied for a renewal. The fee is $150 and it takes up to six weeks.

Here is the dilemma. If you did NOT renew the passport you currently posses, then you are eligible to renew it by mail. All you need to send is completed Form DS-82, the passport, a passport photo and payment of the fee. For a complete list of requirements, click the link below.

If you did renew the passport and, then, lost it, you are not eligible to renew it by mail. You need to report the lost passport by calling the National Passport Information Center and, then, appear in person to apply for a new passport. For instructions, click the link below.

Comments for How can I check to see if I have a valid passport?

I do owe more than $51k in federal back taxes. I've hired an attorney and they're working with the IRS. I'm supposed to be traveling abroad soon but am nervous that my passport won't work.

I don't know if they've mailed me a letter because I've moved residences 3x in the last 6 years but have been at the same one for 4 years. Is there a number I can call or a website I can go on to see if my passport is still valid? I had a payment plan set up at one point but once the debt went over $50k they stopped that plan and we'll be focusing on a solution after I pay 2018 tax due next month.

Answer: Please contact the IRS regarding your concern. You may also call passport services at 1-877-487-2778.

Passportby: Anonymous

Question: Where can I call to see if my passport is suspended because of child support?

Answer: If your passport was suspended or revoked due to child support arrears (rarely happens), you would have been notified by mail. Please contact the State Child Support Enforcement Agency for more information.

Did they cancel my passport book too or notby: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport card at the airport in Canada on my flight back to the US but I still have my passport book with me. Thus I went online to report my lost passport card, while filing up the form on one page there was a selection between passport book and passport card which both I have to fill up my info needed otherwise it won’t get me through the next page, and there was 4 questions on both too that needs for me to select and click the questions. For passport book I click a) yes I still have my passport book on my possession but for passport card I click b) the selection of Lost. It then went through the next page and I clicked submit. Will that cancel both my passport book and passport card? Or just my passport card. How can I be sure that my passport book was not cancelled? Need response ASAP thanks.

Answer: If you tried to complete Form DS-64 online but did not submit the form by mail, your passport book is still valid and your passport card is still not reported as lost.

Is my passport currentby: P.S Hamilton

Question: I've misplaced my passport. is it still current or do need to get a new one? Going out of the country march 10th.

Answer: Whether or not your passport is current does not matter since it is misplaced. You need to apply for a new passport to use for your upcoming trip.

limited validity passportby: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I received a limited validity passport outside the United States in November last year. It has an expiration date of November this year. I have not replaced it yet and now i need to take an emergency overseas trip next month. Can I still use the limited validity passport for the trip?

Answer: Some countries do not allow entry to individuals who use limited-validity passports. Please contact the embassy of the country you are traveling to to verify their requirements.

Is my passport validby: Anonymous

Question: I filled out an form for lost passport but inadvertently typed my SS# incorrectly - since then I have found my passport - how can I check to see if my current passport is still valid?

Answer: If you filled out the application online but did not submit it by mail, the process was not completed and your passport is still valid.

Passport?by: sera

Question: If I never received a letter stating that my passport is invalid, am I still able to use it? I called the guy and told them it had been lost but I recently found it. I never submitted the paper work required for a lost passport.

Answer: Hi, Sera. If you called 1-877-487-2778 to report the passport lost, it is already invalid. You need to submit Form DS-64 when you apply for a replacement.

Is the passport book still active?by: Anonymous

Question: I reported my son's passport card (looks like a drivers license) as lost- and received confirmation. However wanted to make sure my son's passport book itself is still valid?

Answer: Yes, it should still be valid.

Passport informationby: Anonymous

Question: How do I check to see if my passport is valid?

Answer: If the passport is undamaged and the expiration date on the data page has not passed yet, it is most likely valid. If the State Department has invalidated your passport, you would have been notified via mail.

checking if a passport is validby: Anonymous

Question: Hi all. I applied for a passport renewal for my daughter who's 10 years old and it came. My wife filed it away & forgot to tell me so I called the U.S. passport service to report I never received it (but then I looked around the house and found it a few minutes later). I called to report that I found it and was told by another US Passport rep that the first rep didn't seem to cancel or report the lost passport. But I am worried that they may have cancelled my daughter's passport. Can I go to the nearest airport and check to see if my daughter's passport is still valid? Help me please!!

Answer: Typically, when a passport is reported as lost, it is automatically invalidated. Since you are getting conflicting information, you can either call passport services again and ask to speak to a supervisor to confirm the status of your child's passport. You may also have an airport gate official to check the passport.

Passport validation by: Abdul

Question: I have misplaced my U.S. passport and applied for a new one. Now that I found the old one, can I still travel with it? I don’t know if I filed a form to cancel the old one or not who can I ask and check?

Answer: Once an application for a new passport is received, any old (albeit valid) passport is automatically invalidated. You can no longer use your old passport for travel.

passportby: Anonymous

Question: That's what I thought but I have an open application under my name now and they keep sending me letters to fill out the lost or stolen form or i won't receive my new passport. I explained to them that I have my new passport as well as the lost one.

Even a supervisor could not tell me yesterday if my new passport was valid or not.

Answer: You may go to the closest international airport to have a gate official check if your passport is still valid for travel.

Is my new passport validby: Anonymous

Question: I applied to renew my passport October 1st. After weeks of no tracking, I was advised by an agent that it was lost and to file the lost or stolen form and apply for passport in person.

I did this on Oct 31st. Three days later, I got my new passport. Two weeks later, the agency found my lost passport, sent it back to me with holes punched in it. I keep getting letters by mail and email from the agency that I need to file the lost or stolen form or I won't receive my new passport. I already received my new passport and the lost one. Every time I call someone tells me something different, including a supervisor. I am trying to book a vacation and don't even know if my new passport is valid.

Answer: There should be no reason for your new passport to be invalid. What you reported lost was the old one which was returned to you with holes punched. If you did not report your new passport as lost or stolen, it should still be valid.

Check to see if I have a passport by: Michael K

Question: Just wondering...if I was adopted and had a passport then, can I check now?

Can my passport be revoked/flagged for student loan delinquency?by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, I have defaulted on my student loans. I have lived outside the U.S. for over 10 years now but will be visiting soon. A friend from an old job told me they're getting notifications about garnishing my wages (from IRS?) even though I've been gone 10+ years. I'll be visiting family soon and am worried my passport could be flagged somehow upon entry and I won't be able to enter US. Could IRS revoke my passport over defaulted student loans?

Answer: Please contact the IRS regarding your concern.

Name Changeby: Anonymous

Question: If I have a passport under my married name and have now gotten divorced, does anything prevent me from using my passport under my married name as long as I book my travel with that same name? The DMV now has my name changed back and does not match my passport.

Answer: There should be no issue as long as the names on your passport and ticket/s match.

Child/Spousal supportby: Anonymous

Question: Can an existing passport be revoked, restricted, or otherwise impacted by a child support claim over $2500 from a state child support agency or is this limited to passport applications?

Answer: Revocation is possible but it rarely happens. Also, the passport holder will be notified by mail if his/her passport will be revoked.

Check if Passport is Validby: Anonymous

Question: I got about halfway through reporting my passport as lost/stolen on the state department's website, when a family member informed me that they had my passport. I want to make sure that the request for a stolen passport didn't go through. I called customer service and they told me they couldn't help me, and to mail in a request to the PO box in Virginia. Is this accurate information? Is there a simpler way to check if a passport is valid?

Answer: Your passport is still valid. It will only be invalidated if you mailed the form or called 1-877-487-2778 to report the loss.

follow- up questionby: ade

New Passport by: Ade

Question: My son was born in the USA and he has a US birth certificate and passport. He has been living in the Phillipines for almost 7 years. His US passport expired in 2014. Could you please tell us how to save his US citizenship and renew his passport? My son is now 8 years old.

Answer: If your son has U.S. citizenship by birth, he will not lose it just because he lives outside the United States. Your son needs to apply for a new passport with both parents at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Follow up:

Question: I'm planning to renew his passport by next year, and the total years of living in Philippines is 10 years. Aside from renewal fee, are there any penalties I need to pay for overstaying?

Answer: If your son is also a Philippine passport holder, there should be no issue with overstaying. However, if he is not a Filipino citizen and has stayed in the Philippines without a visa or residency permit, you may face issues. I recommend that you contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila for further advice.

Passport by: Anonymous

Question: Hello,

I filled out the form online to change my last name after I got married. I printed it out but never sent it in. Is my passport still valid?

Answer: Yes, it is. You will need to mail the application with the rest of the requirements to finalize the passport name change.

Selfby: Jacqueline A

Question: Trying to figure out if my passport is still good or not.

Answer: The passport's expiration date is printed on the data page. If you are planning on traveling, you may also check if your passport still meets your destination's entry requirements.

Statusby: Anonymous

Question: I am going to take a tour overseas. I would like to check my passport to make sure there is no any problem with it before leaving in about 6 more weeks. Is there any website that I could use to check? Or do I have call to any place?

Answer: Your passport is good for travel as long as it is not expired and/or damaged and still meets the entry requirements of your destination country. You may check the expiration date of your passport on the data page.

How to check if my passport is still valid for travelby: Anonymous

Question: Can I check to see if my passport still valid for travel?

Answer: You may check your passport's data page to check the expiration date. Also, you need to check the entry requirements of the country you are traveling to.

Son not sure if he has a passport by: Anonymous

Question: We are planning a family trip but unsure if my ex husband has already obtained a passport for my 11-year-old son. He won’t tell us. How can we find out if a passport already exists for the child before we spend to apply for one?

Answer: Please contact customer service at 1-877-487-2778.

Passportby: Anonymous

Question: Will a valid U.S. passport be revoked or just not renewed on due date after IRS debt certification notice?

Answer: Your renewal application may be denied or your passport may be revoked. Either way, you will be notified in writing once this happens.

Valid Passportby: Anonymous

Question: I called the 877 number. They only asked my name no other information. Because they were going to send me the Form DS 64. I never received it to fill out. My former husband took my passport and put it in his safe! Once I called, he returned my passport. Is it still valid? I went to TSA and they stated as far as they could tell it was valid. I called the 877 number and received the same information. As long as, I did not give my social nor passport book number and did not fill out anything it should be valid?

Answer: Once a passport is reported as lost, it is already invalidated. Submitting Form DS-64 is used when you are applying for a new passport.

Valid Passport? by: Anonymous

Question: I renewed my passport about 4 years ago. I didn't make my flight so I never used it. I did receive a letter in the mail that the payment wasn't processed (check) but I view my account and payment was taken out. Never bother looking in to it but I'll be taking a trip on 8/11 and like to know if my passport is valid to travel.

Answer: If you are in possession of the passport, it should still be valid. You may call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Passport flagged as lost or stolen but it isn'tby: Anonymous

Question: Family member is detained at the Paris airport. Customs is saying the passport is flagged as lost or stolen but it isn't and never was. He went for vacation but was taken to a 4 by 4 holding cell. Please HELP!

Question: I lost my passport then found it. I do remember that I called to have info on what to do but I don't remember if I report it lost on the same call. I never fill out the form of lost or stolen. How can I confirm if is still valid? Expiration date is on July 2019.

Answer: Hi, Patricia. If you did not report the loss during the call, it is most likely still valid. Also, you only need to submit Form DS-64 when you are applying for a new/replacement passport.

To confirm, you may go to the closest international airport and have an official check your passport.

Can someone report my passport lost/stolen?by: Mist

Question: I have a family member who is angry that I’m traveling and knows my personal info such as birth date and SS number. Could they report my passport stolen and invalidate it without my knowledge?

Answer: Yes, it is possible. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

HELP!by: Anonymous

Question: I thought I lost my passport, "reported" it but never received an email confirmation. I did get a reference number online when I reported my passport lost.

I ended up finding it. I want to know if it's still valid. I need to know if I can use it or if the confirmation was correct and that it was reported lost. I called 877-487-2778. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO HELP. I called a few times over and over again. They give me different information every time. Is there some way online to check to see if my passport is still active or a different number to call to have them check and tell me if it's still active or not. And also give me information on how I can get a new one.

Answer: You cannot report a passport lost online. You can fill out Form DS-64 online but you still need to print, sign and mail it to the address on the form. Since you have not done these things, your passport is most likely still valid.

You may confirm by having it checked at an airport gate.

Proof of passport by: Anonymous

Question: How do I obtain proof that I never had a passport?

Answer: You may request for a passport record which may take a long time. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Filled out but didn't sign DS64by: Anonymous

Question: I misplaced my passport and filled out a lost passport form online. I did everything until the last step which was to print out a signature page, sign it, and scan it in. (Before I could sign and scan the page in, I was informed that someone had found my passport). Is my passport still valid? Or did everything the form I submitted without the signature invalidate my passport?

Answer: You cannot submit Form DS-64 online. You still need to print. sign and mail the form to officially report your passport as lost. Your passport is most likely still valid.

Passport still validby: Anonymous

Question: I found out the IRS has mistakenly flagged my SSN saying I’m deceased which I am not. I have a trip to Europe next month. Is my passport still valid?

Answer: It should be. Please contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for further assistance.

Passport validby: Dominique

Question: How do you know if your passport is revoked to travel?

Answer: Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778.

If one owes taxes is passport void?by: Anonymous

Question: On the news they stated if you owe taxes your passport is going to be void. My friends and I are going to Canada for the weekend in May and one of my friends was concerned because she owes taxes from a couple of years ago. How do we find out if her passport is good as well as the others and my own?

Answer: What you may have heard is about the IRS certifying tax debt and possibly revoking passports or denying passport applications of those who owe more than $50,000 (including interest and penalties).

As of last report, the IRS started tax debt certification in January 2018. The IRS is required to notify you in writing at the time the IRS certifies seriously delinquent tax debt to the State Department. The IRS is also required to notify you in writing at the time it reverses certification. The IRS will send written notice by regular mail to your last known address.

If your friend has not received any notices or knows for a fact that her tax debt does not amount to be considered seriously delinquent, she should be allowed to travel to Canada and get back to the United States using her current valid passport.

Check for valid passportby: James SS

Question: To whom may it concern, I'm inquiring if I was issued a passport back in the 90's. I've had multiple addresses and might have lost it during moving. Thank you for your time.

Answer: You need to request for a passport record in order to find this information out.

Peace Corps Passportby: Anonymous

Question: I returned from my Peace Corps service in 2015, but my Peace Corps passport is still valid until 2020. Can I use this passport or does the Peace Corps notify the consular section and make the passport void?

Answer: You cannot use the Peace Corps passport for personal travel. You need to apply for a new 'civilian' passport to use for leisure or business travel.

How to check if my passport is active.by: Edwin alarcon

Question: Checking my passport because I fly the 25th of this month and would like to know if I could fly out.

Answer: There is no system in place where you can check the validity. The expiration is printed on the data page of your passport.

DID I EVER HAVE A PASSPORT?by: Maryann L

Question: Hello, I don't remember if I had a passport in my maiden name of Maryann (Last Name). It would have been many years ago. Please advise.

Answer: We edited out your last names and email address for your security.

You may request for a passport record through the National Passport Information Center. Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.

Lost Passport then Found Itby: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport. I called in to report it lost. I was told to fill out a form and fax it in. I never filled out the form and months later my passport was found and returned to me. Again, all I did is call in and reported the passport lost/stolen but DID NOT fill out or submit a form. Is my passport still valid? It is not expired.

Answer: Since you already reported it lost, your passport is already deactivated and can no longer be used for travel.

Question: I am a US citizen currently residing in France for a couple of years. I lost my passport a couple of days ago and went to the police to report it. It has since resurfaced. I'm trying to find out if it is still valid after having been reported it to the police. It's unclear to me because of the language barrier whether there was a form submitted to invalidate my passport. When I call 877-487-2778 I'm told they can't help me because I'm not in the US, and when I call the consulate in France they give me the number 877-487-2778. Can anyone help me?

Answer: If you have not officially reported the loss of your passport online or by submitting Form DS-64, your passport is still valid.

Showing invalid numberby: Arvind

Question: Hi my name is Arvind HXXXXX KXXXX. Just two months ago I came from Saudi Arabia after completing my employment contract. Now when I am searching for new job and writing my passport number in the requirement box, it shows 'YOUR PASSPORT NUMBER IS NOT VALIDATE'. How is this happening? My passport is valid until 2020.

Answer: We edited your name for your security.

If you were able to travel with your passport and re-enter the United States, the problem may not be the passport. Please contact the administrator of the website you are using to find out if they are having issues.

Need to knowby: Clive

Question: I don't know whether or not I have a passport.

Answer: If you have been issued a passport in the past, passport services should be able to pull up a record through a file search. The fee for this service is $150 and is non-refundable.

I can't locate my passportby: BB

Question: I can't locate my passport and i have a cruise 29 Oct. how can I find me out if it is still valid?

Answer: Passports issued to adults are valid for 10 years. If you can remember when the passport was issued, you may be able to tell if that passport is still valid.

Answer: If you are taking a closed-loop cruise to The Bahamas -- one that starts in a U.S. city, travels to the Bahamas and ends in the same U.S. city, you may not need a passport. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency says this about closed loop cruises:

"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents."

We recommend that you contact the cruise line you are traveling with to verify document requirements.

Valid passportby: Anonymous

Question: I cannot find my passport and do not know the expiration date. How do I check if it is still valid?

Answer: Passports issued to citizens age 16 and above are valid for 10 years. If you remember when your passport was issued, count ten years and you get a approximate expiration year.

In case you find out that your passport is still valid, you need to report the loss by calling 1-877-487-2778 or by submitting Form DS-64.

Possible damage by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has been in my pocket on hot days and some of the print on the front cover has faded slightly. All pages are in tact, as are the covers. wondering how to tell if it's been in too much heat or bent too much to be considered invalid.

Answer: What constitutes significant damage is ultimately decided by the officer who inspects your passport at ports of entry/exit. We recommend consulting an airline you have flown with in the past to see if your passport is still valid for travel.

Stumpedby: Anonymous

Question: I have a valid passport and I know the number and the expiration date. I do not have it in my possession right now and need to know the exact name it is under (whether or not I used my full name or just first and last). Is there a way I can get that quickly?

Answer: Passport details are protected under the Privacy Act. You have to submit a request for your passport information in writing, along with proof of your identity. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more details.

Want to know if passport is still validby: Anonymous

Question: The only reason I am asking this question is because the last time we used our passports was in 2010 or 2012 but it will expire on March 04, 2018.

Answer: Yes, your passports are still valid. You may use them for travel until the expiration date.

However, you still need to check the entry requirements of the country/countries you plan on visiting to see if you have enough validity left on your passport.

Lost or Not? expireby: Anonymous

Question: How can I determine if my passport has been reported as lost. I filled out forms online, but didn't submit anything. I also sent an email to the airport asking if they had found it. Then I found it myself. How can I determine if it is still valid?

Answer: If the passport has not been officially reported as lost, it is likely still valid. You may call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.

Passportby: Anonyjmous

Question: I have found my passport. Is it still valid?

Answer: Please check the data page of your passport. The expiration is indicated there. If it has not expired, it is still valid unless you reported it as lost or stolen. In which case, it is already invalidated and you need to apply for a new passport.

Do I need to renew or apply for a new passport?by: Anonymous

Question: About 15 years ago I think I got a temporary passport, it was a half size sheet of paper with my info on it. I had to rush to get it for a surprise vacation to Mexico. Not sure if I need to renew or file for a new one.

Routine service takes 6-8 weeks to complete. If you pay for expedited service, you will have your passport in 2-3 weeks.

Passport lost and foundby: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport last year, reported it lost/stolen, and found it a month later. I never received a confirmation email stating that my DS-64 form had been submitted successfully. Is there any way to check if my passport is valid? I'm wondering if maybe I didn't submit the form correctly.

Answer: Once reported lost, a passport is already invalidated and can no longer be used for travel. Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.

Passport limboby: Anonymous

Question: Old passports were lost so forms mailed in for new ones. Then of course the old passports were found. We received an email that one of the forms (DS64) wasn't signed, so this would mean are old passports are still valid, correct? Is there a website or phone number of a service than can run your passport information to confirm it's valid?

Answer: Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.

Lost then foundby: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport and filled in the online form to report it missing then i found it a few weeks later. Is it still good or do I need a new one?

Answer: Once reported lost, a passport is already invalidated and can no longer be used for travel. You need to apply for a new passport.

Passport renewal by: Mark

Question: I had a passport 30 years ago and have not used it for 30 years. Is it still good for a renewal or do I have to apply all over?

1. Form DS-112. Proof of U.S. citizenship3. Proof of identity4. Photocopy of ID5. Passport photo6. Payment for fees

Do I have a passport?by: Ricardo

Question: Hi. My name is Ricardo. I am a US citizen and living on the USA my whole life. Believe or not, I never question myself if I ever had a passaport until know.

My parents passed away few years ago and I have no idea if they ever applied for me. I was searching information and it looks like you need to submit a true statement of what happened to your previous passport. Now, I am afraid if I request for a renewal I will get into trouble.

Answer: You will not get into trouble. Since you cannot state for sure that you had a passport, do not check the box on the application about previously being issued a passport. For new passport instructions, click here.

Is my passport still valid?by: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport and obtained a new one that was only good for one year. It is now expired. I just found my original passport but is it still good?

Answer: No, it is not. You need to apply for a new passport.

New Passportby: Ade

Question: My son was born in the USA and he has a US birth certificate and passport. He has been living in the Phillipines for almost 7 years. His US passport expired in 2014. Could you please tell us how to save his US citizenship and renew his passport? My son is now 8 years old.

Answer: If your son has U.S. citizenship by birth, he will not lose it just because he lives outside the United States. Your son needs to apply for a new passport with both parents at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

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